Hello South Africa!
As an European I was exposed to many languages – living in Germany the multicultural city of Berlin brought many cultures and languages of the world closer, which made it such a beautiful experience while growing up. My favorites were French (I lived there for one year) and Italian (I spent my first 2 baby years there – and later was surrounded by Italian friends – so always had in mind to learn it).. The hello of today however sounds a bit different.. South Africa has 11 official languages and this phrasebook is a guide through them all. It will take me many years to learn at least one, but its worth a try!
Figures & Fictions
This exhibition on Contemporary South African Photography at the V&A museum in London is a must for everyone interested in contemporary art. It showcases the work of 17 South African photographers, such as: David Goldblatt, Jodi Bieber, Kudzanai Chiurai, Hasan & Husain Essop, Pieter Hugo, Roelof Petrus Van Wyk – just to name a few. “Each photographer is represented by one or more projects that are linked by the depiction of people and a self-conscious engagement with South Africa’s political and photographic past.”
For more information go to: www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/figures-fictions
The exhibition is showing unti17th July 2011
Zambezi Queen
Travelling through Zambia, Botswana and a tiny bit of Namibia situated on the Chobe river, 4 border posts our journey finally ended on this majestic boat – the Zambezi Queen.
Welcomed by a choir of staff members singing the following 2 days on the boat just got better. One feels like royalty on this luxurious house boat with 14 suites, designed to relax, with breathtaking views overlooking the animal wildlife of the Chobe National Park.
The cocktails are well shaken and the food delicious – the “boma” dinner on the Namibian soil gives the journey the real African flavour. For more information go to: www.zambeziqueen.com
Chitenge
Found some beautiful Chitenge fabrics on a recent trip to Zambia. The ladies wear them mostly as skirts or make gowns and head wear out of these beautifully printed fabrics.
The waxed fabrics are made out of cotton or polyester and are similar to the South African Shwe shwe fabrics. The texture is hard and the fabrics need to be washed a few times until they become soft and ready to wear.
African Kikoy Various Colours Range
The African Kikoy range is unique in design and is loved worldwide for the diversity in colour and pattern. Best for beach, but also for windy weather… Kikoys are made out of 100% cotton and are available in hundreds colour variations.
TO BUY SINGLE ITEMS OR WHOLESALE QUANTITIES CLICK HERE !!
Tribute to Black Beauties
The Black Vogue issue shot by Ellen von Unwerth for the Italian Vogue is a homage to the versatile woman of this world. The grand admiration of women whose skin tone ranges from alabaster and mahogany to smooth onyx is shown in the May 2011 issue.
African Bracelets
I’m loving these! The plastic bracelets are coming from Western Africa and the Xhosa bracelets are traditional bracelets worn by Xhosa women from the Western Cape.
Lalesso
Lalesso is a summer clothing and lifestyle brand created by 2 Cape Town girls who’s passion is fashion with an African feel. They use “khanga” fabrics from East Africa and have shifted their production to Kenya working with Soko – an independent, charity based, eco and ethical clothing production unit that supports local talent and provides employment to Kenyans – www.soko-kenya.com.
Have a look at www.lalesso.com for more information and garments.